(b. 1960 - Durban, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa) is a photographer who is best known for his vivid color photographs of fellow South Africans. From the "Sugar Cane Series," this photograph portrays a field worker who performs rough, backbreaking work. The artist depicts him in a dramatic, elegant posture. The gaze and stance of the worker are strong, while his hood envelops his face in shadow, creating a striking contrast between figure and sky. The artist describes, "Their gestures and postures, clothes and working tools speak volumes about their social and economic circumstances and most importantly about their personal experiences within the landscape." Like 19th century French painter Jean Francois Millet, who was known for his portrayal of peasants in the field, Mthethwa gives voice to an otherwise forgotten group of people. Mthethwa states, "Sugar cane is an international commodity. The depiction of landscape erases any clues of an identifiable geography, thus negotiating universal conditions." He illustrates the contrast between globalization in South Africa and the poverty of its people, stating, "I do not think poverty is equal to degradation." Mthethwa believes photography can serve as a healing process, providing a narrative for the way in which social systems are being affected by the move toward a market economy. The artist received his MFA at Rochester Institute of Technology in 1989. He has exhibited his work worldwide since 1986 and is a lecturer of Photography and Drawing at Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town. His work was included in the 2003 Istanbul Biennial as well as the 2003 International Center for Photography Triennial. 2003.293